Respiratory Care

Respiratory Conditions and Physiotherapy Treatment

Are your problems with breathing affecting your ability to carry out every day activities?

Are they beginning to affect the quality of your life?

Do these breathing problems stop you from doing the things you used to love, such as playing sport, going to the cinema, playing with your grandchildren, walking in the countryside?

Are you getting a good night’s sleep?

There are a lot of breathing/lung problems, some of them you may see a hospital doctor for; some are looked after by your GP and others you can control by yourself.

Our experienced physiotherapy team can help and support you to overcome the breathing problems you may have.

Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis

Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis are two of the most common conditions, with others such as bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis being less common. Although all these conditions vary, the symptoms experienced are often very similar.

The most common symptoms are a feeling of breathlessness, having a tight chest or wheeze, a cough, or even pain in your lungs. Very often in these conditions the lungs over produce mucus (phlegm) which also makes you cough and feel very unwell. This mucus can get infected and can cause chest infections which may require antibiotics.

Our Respiratory (Chest) Physiotherapy team can help with all of these symptoms.

We will teach you how to clear the phlegm from your chest without causing you to become more breathless.

In addition, we will also advise you on techniques and exercises to control and improve your breathlessness. These can be practiced daily and used to help you carry out every day activities.

Tight chest, feeling wheezy?

Both of these conditions are frightening and disabling.

Patients are often prescribed inhalers or nebulisers to use to help to ease these symptoms.

Our physio team help you to get the most benefit from these methods of treatment by teaching when and how to use them. We can provide a detailed assessment of your inhaler or nebuliser technique, and if appropriate improve it further so you get the maximum possible relief from your medication.

Another symptom that patients often report with chest problems is lung pain or discomfort. This can happen after an infection or lung operation.

Several techniques can be used here including mobilisation and pain relief that can help with pain and discomfort. Breathing muscles can often become weak if you have a problem with your lungs. This can make you feel breathless and tired. Our team will develop a personalised exercise plan with you to develop the strength of your breathing muscles, increase your overall breathing efficiency and reduce any pain symptoms that you have been experiencing.

Hyperventilation or panic breathing

This condition is very common, particularly when you are feeling very stressed or anxious. Hyperventilation is usually a short term condition which tends to resolve itself in time. However in some cases it continues to be a problem and can cause symptoms of breathlessness, chest pain, arm tingling, headache and dizziness. These symptoms are naturally very frightening and can further add to your stress and anxiety. Our physio team will prescribe exercises to control your breathing pattern, together with relaxation techniques to improve your symptoms.

If you have any concerns about your breathing, please call us to arrange for a consultation with one of our physiotherapy team. We will conduct a thorough assessment, including listening to your chest, measuring your lung function and oxygen levels. With this information we will propose the most appropriate personalised treatment.

If you feel that you require physiotherapy treatment for a breathing problem and live in the Warrington or Cheshire area, but prefer to be visited and treated from home, please feel free to contact us to discuss your individual needs. CALL: 01925 266 881 or 07745 870442 or click here.